There may not be a more contentious argument than deciding where you want to go out for the night.
If you want nightlife with a lot of options within a short walk, go to the Short North, Italian Village, or Victorian Village. If you want a mix of nightlife and historic charm without things getting too crazy, stay in German Village or the Brewery District. But it’s not always that simple.
There are so many options, it almost feels paralyzing. But the bright side? No matter where you go out, you’ll find something that fits your vibe if you know what you’re looking for. That’s why we’re here.
Here’s our guide to nightlife in Columbus, Ohio.
Columbus Nightlife Hotspots
1. The Short North
It’s no secret that the Short North is the nightlife spot in Columbus. It simply has everything.
Yes, it’s the busiest area in the city… especially on weekends (and especially ESPECIALLY when the weather is nice). But there are still plenty of places to tuck yourself away and take a breather from the crowds.
Within a block or two, you can go from:
- The Alibi Bourbon & Cocktail Lounge (cozy, amazing cocktails, chill vibes, Bob Ross on the TVs, velvety curtains hiding you from High Street) to
- Short North Pint House (loud, busy, and extremely fun as the night goes on)
You’ve also got:
- Rooftop bars like Lincoln Social
- Live music at Standard Live
- Speakeasies like The Sacred Palm and The Wiseguy Lounge (both inside pizza joints… oddly enough)
There’s really something for everybody here.
1a. Italian Village
Think of Italian Village as the Short North’s calmer neighbor.
Still great nightlife… just with less chaos.
Standout spots:
- Budd Dairy Food Hall (multiple restaurants, full bars, rooftop)
- The Go Go (disco-inspired dance hall if you want to get your groove on)
- St James Tavern (small, cozy, pool tables, craft beer, and zero TVs… which is actually nice when you want to unplug)
1b. Victorian Village / Harrison West
Even quieter than Italian Village, but still has a few solid nightlife options without the lines.
Favorites include:
- Zeno’s (tavern, elevated seating, tons of TVs, pull tabs)
- Vic Village Tavern (modern tavern, pool table, karaoke, lots of seating)
- The Bottle Shop (wine and cocktail bar with a great patio and an espresso martini on tap that will blow your socks off)
1c. Downtown Columbus
Arena District
Right next to the Short North, but with its own personality. Often busy before and after events at Nationwide Arena, ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, and Huntington Park, there are also legendary bars that pack it in almost every single night.
Spots to know:
- Char Bar (legendary dive, cheap drinks, haunted piano in the basement)
- R Bar Arena (hockey bar with a 360 bar and tons of TVs)
- Denmark on High (second-story cocktail bar, floor-to-ceiling windows, dim lounge vibes)
- Park Street Tavern (live music, big menu, pool table, Golden Tee)
- Betty’s Bar (perfect pre/post Crew or Clippers games)
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Downtown Proper
Less dense, but still worth it if you know where to go:
- Jackie O’s (one of the best patios in the city, connected to Goood Friends if you want goood food)
- Pins Mechanical Co. (arcade games, duckpin bowling, pinball)
- Tip Top Kitchen & Cocktails (lowkey vibe, great pot roast, open late)
- Slammers (Lesbian bar, great pizza and subs, fun atmosphere)
2. University District
Basically the Short North’s younger sibling. As the home to all the Ohio State bars, it can get pretty rowdy. And just like the Short North, there’s something for everybody.
You can:
- Sing your ass off at Threes
- Chill with pizza and tons of beer options at Oldfields
- Bounce around the different vibes at Midway
Staple spots:
- Leo’s (great vibe, awesome staff, cheap drinks)
- Out-R-Inn (massive patio, pool tables, darts, Sicilia’s pizza next door)
- Ugly Tuna Saloona
- Ethyl & Tank
2a. Old North / SoHud
Just north of campus, with more rugged, old-school bars and a ton of music venues. It’s like a slice of the East Village in Manhattan.
Favorites include:
- Old North Arcade Bar (classic arcade games, pinball)
- Ace of Cups (live music + Dirty Frank’s hot dogs attached)
- Dirty Dungarees (just read this)
- Proof by The Alibi (same great cocktails, more space)
- O’Connor’s Club 20 (underrated gay bar)
In SoHud:
- The Rambling House (folk, bluegrass, touring acts)
- Rumba Cafe (local institution)
- Cafe Bourbon Street / Summit Music Hall (spacious venue with a big bar and great food from Crunchwerks)
- Dick’s Den (one of the last true jazz/bluegrass bars in the city)
3. German Village / Brewery District / Schumacher Place
One of the most beautiful neighborhoods in all of Ohio. Perfect for a more relaxed night out where you can walk around and bar hop without the chaos. Don’t expect to have to scream into someone’s ear at a bar in order to get them to hear you.
Top spots:
- Club 185 (classic, great burgers, always busy)
- Beck Tavern (old-school, darts, draft beer)
- The Hey Hey Bar & Grill (lively, darts, patio with fire pits)
- High Beck Tavern (cozy, pool table, great patio)
- Cobra (cool, modern cocktail bar that somehow isn’t pretentious)
- Lawbird (high-end cocktails in a small, old-school space)
Plus a strong lineup of gay bars:
- Club Diversity
- Boscoe’s
- Cavan Irish Pub
4. Grandview Heights Area
Grandview packs a lot into a small area. You can bounce between multiple spots within a few blocks.
Standouts:
- Grandview Cafe (legendary tavern, big patio, great wings, TVs)
- Barrel & Taps (simple, solid, good patio)
- The Ohio Taproom (Ohio-only beers, nationally recognized)
- Byrne’s Pub (classic Irish bar, feels like Dublin, Ireland)
- Woodlands Tavern (live music, two stages, great food)
- Johnnies on Glenn (cash-only dive, cheap and ice cold beers, free snacks, caged patio)
Honorable Mentions
- Franklinton (Land-Grant, Sweeney’s Walnut St. Tavern, Rehab Tavern)
- Olde Towne East (Olde Towne Tavern, The Oracle, The Attic Comedy Club)
- Polaris (O’Nelly’s, Twin Peaks, TopGolf)
- Easton (Pins, PBR Cowboy Bar, Fado, World of Beer)
So there you have it. Now go out there and navigate Columbus’ robust nightlife scene like the badass you truly are. I’ll get some Green Tea shots ready for ya.
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